Turkish Foreign Minister discussed the escalating conflict in the Middle East with U.S. Secretary of State in a phone call on Wednesday, including an Iranian ballistic missile that was intercepted before entering Turkish airspace, Turkish diplomatic sources said.
The missile, launched from Iran and tracked after passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace, was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence units deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s Defence Ministry said.
The United States condemned the incident, with the State Department saying Rubio told Fidan that any attack on Türkiye’s sovereign territory was “unacceptable” and pledged Washington’s full support.
NATO also condemned the launch.
“NATO stands firmly with all allies, including Türkiye, as Iran continues its indiscriminate attacks across the region,” NATO spokeswoman said in a statement, adding that the alliance’s deterrence and defence posture remained strong, including its air and missile defence capabilities.
The also condemned the launch, calling it a “serious escalation,” according to a foreign ministry statement.
Turkey summoned the Iranian ambassador to convey its concerns over the incident, a Turkish diplomatic source said, while Fidan warned Tehran against steps that could further widen the conflict.
According to the Turkish Defence Ministry, NATO assets engaged the projectile in time and destroyed it in the air. A fragment that fell in the Dörtyol district of the southern province of was later identified as part of the air defence munition used in the interception.
No casualties or injuries were reported.
The ministry said Ankara remained fully capable of ensuring the security of the country and its citizens and warned that it would respond decisively to any hostile act directed at Turkish territory or airspace.
Turkey would also continue consultations with NATO and other allies, it added.
Separately, Fidan spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister , conveying Ankara’s concerns about the missile launch and urging Tehran to avoid actions that could further escalate the regional conflict, Turkish Foreign Ministry sources said.